Before the lights came up and the first note was sung, there was this moment. Quiet focus. Nervous energy. Last-minute details checked and re-checked. Encouraging words, deep breaths, shared smiles. Backstage at Great Opera Moments was where weeks of work finally settled into something real. This was the part the audience didn’t always see — a whole whānau moving as one, supporting each other, trusting the process, and stepping forward together for that final performance. #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #GreatOperaMoments 📸Grateful to Karen Hughes for these candid snaps

We also wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Whanganui District Council for their generous support of the New Zealand Opera School and Whanganui Opera Week 2026. Their backing plays a vital role in enabling Whanganui to become a national hub for opera each January — welcoming young artists, international tutors, and audiences from across Aotearoa. This partnership helps ensure that world-class music-making continues to thrive in our region, enriching the cultural life of the community and creating opportunities for the next generation of performers. We are grateful for the Council’s ongoing commitment to arts, education, and the cultural heartbeat of Whanganui. #NZOperaSchool #NZOS #OperaTraining #Whanganui

As we look back on an unforgettable NZOS 2026, one thing is absolutely clear: none of this would have been possible without the Freemasons Foundation. From the early morning classes to the final curtain call at Great Opera Moments, their long-standing commitment to nurturing young New Zealand opera singers made every step of this journey possible. Their support helps turn potential into progress, ambition into opportunity, and hard work into moments that stay with our students for life. We are deeply grateful to the Freemasons Foundation for standing alongside the New Zealand Opera School, year after year, and for investing in the future of opera in Aotearoa. #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #FreemasonsFoundation 📸 Karen Hughes

The curtain may have come down on the New Zealand Opera School 2026, but the story is far from over. These moments — captured just after the awards ceremony — are full of pride, relief, joy, and quiet excitement for what lies ahead. A beautiful way to close an extraordinary fortnight in Whanganui. Over the coming days, we’ll be sharing highlights from the week: the people, the music, the learning, the laughter, and the moments that made this year’s School so special. Stay with us — there’s so much to celebrate! #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining

Already thinking about 2027 with Nicola Williams ❤️ Last coffee ☕️ before Jack & Mrs Bourke leave for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 🙋‍♂️ #nzos2027 #summer #whanganui

❤️ Bryan Wyness ‘Spirit of the School’ Award❤️ Congratulations to soprano Niamh Bentley, recipient of the Bryan Wyness ‘Spirit of the School’ Award ($500 + Katie Brown glass trophy)! This award celebrates the heart of NZOS — kindness, generosity, encouragement, and the way we show up for one another. This year, Niamh helped make the School feel like a whānau🫶 A much-loved award, and a very fitting recipient! #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining

🔮 Merle Higgie Opera Prize for Potential ($3,000)🔮 goes out to... soprano Jasmine Jessen! This award recognises something special in the making — instinct, curiosity, and the sense that there is more to come from Jasmine! We can’t wait to see where this potential leads...Bravo! #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining

🎓 Donald Trott Scholarship 🎓 This year, Donald chose to award two scholarships — recognising not only achievement, but promise. Huge congratulations to tenor Taliai Fifita and bass Arana Ashby, both awarded the Donald Trott Scholarship, securing a fully sponsored return to the New Zealand Opera School in 2027. WOW. This scholarship is about belief in long-term development — not just what was achieved in 2026, but who these artists are becoming. A chance to continue the work, deepen the craft, and keep growing together in January 2027. #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #DonaldTrott #ClassOf2026

🌺 Dame Sister Mary Leo Foundation Award ($3,000)🌺 Warm congratulations to soprano Sarah Mileham, awarded the Dame Sister Mary Leo Foundation Award this year! This award honours Sarah who, for the past two weeks, has shown dedication to her craft, generosity of spirit, and a deep respect for the art form. It’s about discipline, humility, and commitment — qualities that often matter just as much as talent. A beautiful acknowledgement at this stage of the journey, right? #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining

🌟 Dame Malvina Major Foundation Scholarship Award 🌟 A huge congratulations to countertenor Jack Doyle, recipient of the 2026 Dame Malvina Major Foundation Scholarship! This generous $7,500 award supports Jack at a pivotal moment in his journey, offering both financial backing and the belief of one of Aotearoa’s most respected foundations: the Dame Malvina Major Foundation. It’s a vote of confidence in his talent, hard work, and future promise! Presented by Susan Taylor on behalf of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation — and very well deserved! Bravo, Jack! #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #DMMF

✨ GOM Throwback: Class of 2025 ✨ From that unforgettable night to this one — the journey continues. It’s time. Let’s start the show. 🎭 Great Opera Moments 2026 🎥 Live now on our free Facebook livestream 🎶 Settle in, turn it up, and enjoy the magic. #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #GreatOperaMoments

Great Opera Moments 2026 Programme for tonight!